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Other Toxins Found in Houses

– Formaldehyde – evaporates from cushions, particleboard and the adhesives used to manufacture most inexpensive wood-based products. Carpets and carpet cushions may also release formaldehyde, causing eye and upper respiratory irritation.

– Arsenic – is still used in many household pesticides and is increasingly used as a wood preservative.

– Vinyl chloride – “new car smell”: The plastic interior of a new car offgasses this known carcinogen. Water sitting in PVC pipes overnight may also contain this toxin. Very large exposures can lead to “vinyl chloride disease,” which causes severe liver damage and ballooning of the fingertips;

– Hydrofluoric acid – the active ingredient in many household rust removers and can cause intense pain and damage to tissues and bone if the recommended gloves happen to have holes in them.

– Phenolsincluding biphenyl, phenolics and pentachloraphenol – are found in disinfectants, antiseptics, perfumes, mouthwashes, glues and air fresheners

– Chlordane, aldrin, dieldrin – Used in pesticides, though all banned for nearly two decades, continue to show up airborne in older houses.